The Mets need a bat and the team continues to monitor the availability of young Miami slugger Giancarlo Stanton -- “fully realizing” any deal would have to include prized prospects Zack Wheeler and Travis d’Arnaud, according to a report by New York Daily News beat writer Andy Martino.

A “Mets person” told Martino “there is heat there,” when questioned about the team’s rumored interest in the 23-year-old right fielder, who socked 34 home runs in 2011 and went yard 37 times in 2012.

Martino gauged several anonymous Mets officials on whether GM Sandy Alderson would be open to dealing the crown jewels of his rebuilding project:

“In a heartbeat,” said one. “Nothing against those kids, but it’s Giancarlo.”

Said another: “If you could do that you would have to."

My $0.02:

This blogger has been a big proponent of Alderson’s methodical plan to rebuild – applauding his ability to turn two months of Carlos Beltran and a 38-year-old knuckleballer into a pair of the game’s premier prospects.

Wheeler and d’Arnaud are talented – and could both be All-Stars.

Or they may never pan out.

Stanton is there already – a dynamic player with 93 home runs and a .350 OBP in his first three seasons.

If such a deal ever become a true possibility -- a big "if," mind you -- he’s one of the few players in the game that would justify the sacrifice.